Ohio State and Purdue are two of the most storied programs in college football history. The two schools have met 117 times, with Ohio State holding a 60-47-6 advantage. The rivalry is one of the most heated in the Big Ten and has been played in front of sold-out crowds for decades.
The Early Years
The first meeting between Ohio State and Purdue was in 1896, and the Buckeyes won 24-0. The two teams played regularly in the early 1900s, but the rivalry really began to heat up in the 1930s. In 1934, Purdue upset Ohio State 35-13, and the Boilermakers have been a thorn in the Buckeyes’ side ever since.
The Woody Hayes Era
One of the most famous chapters in the Ohio State-Purdue rivalry came during the Woody Hayes era. Hayes was the head coach of the Buckeyes from 1951 to 1978, and he led the team to four national championships. Hayes was also known for his fiery temper, and he had several run-ins with Purdue coach Jack Mollenkopf.
In 1968, Hayes and Mollenkopf got into a heated argument after the Buckeyes defeated the Boilermakers 41-14. Hayes accused Mollenkopf of running up the score, and the two coaches nearly came to blows. The incident led to a suspension for Hayes and further fueled the rivalry between the two schools.
The Modern Era
The Ohio State-Purdue rivalry has continued to be competitive in recent years. The Buckeyes have won the last four meetings, but the Boilermakers have always been a tough opponent. In 2018, Purdue upset Ohio State 49-20 in West Lafayette. It was the Boilermakers’ first win over the Buckeyes since 2012.
The Key Matchups
There are several key matchups to watch for when Ohio State and Purdue meet.
- Quarterback: Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat you with his arm or his legs. Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell is also a talented quarterback. He is a good passer with a strong arm. In 2021, O’Connell passed for 3,712 yards and 28 touchdowns.
- Running back: Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson is one of the most explosive running backs in the country. He is a shifty runner with great speed and acceleration. Purdue’s King Doerue is also a talented running back. He is a big, physical runner with good vision and balance.
- Wide receiver: Ohio State has a lot of talented wide receivers, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka. Purdue’s David Bell is one of the best wide receivers in the country. He is a big, physical receiver with great hands and route running ability.
The Outlook
The Ohio State-Purdue rivalry is one of the most competitive in the Big Ten. Both teams have talented players and are capable of winning big games. The Buckeyes are the favorite to win this year’s game, but the Boilermakers will be a tough opponent.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Ohio State | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 60-47-6 | 47-60-6 |
| National Championships | 8 | 1 |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 7 | 0 |
Pros and Cons of Each Team
Ohio State
Pros:
- More talented roster
- More experience
- Better coaching staff
Cons:
- Can be inconsistent at times
- Prone to turnovers
- Sometimes struggles against physical teams
Purdue
Pros:
- Good quarterback
- Solid running game
- Experienced defense
Cons:
- Less talented roster
- Less experience
- Not as good of a coaching staff
Effective Strategies for Each Team
Ohio State
- Spread the ball around to multiple receivers
- Use the running game to set up the pass
- Put pressure on the Purdue quarterback
- Force the Boilermakers to make mistakes
Purdue
- Run the ball effectively
- Protect the quarterback
- Get pressure on the Ohio State quarterback
- Force the Buckeyes to make mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the favorite to win the game?
Ohio State is the favorite to win the game. The Buckeyes have a more talented roster and more experience.
2. What is the biggest key to the game?
The biggest key to the game is the quarterback play. Both Ohio State and Purdue have talented quarterbacks, but the quarterback who makes the fewest mistakes will likely lead his team to victory.
3. What is the most likely outcome of the game?
The most likely outcome of the game is an Ohio State win. The Buckeyes are the more talented team and have more experience. However, Purdue is a tough opponent and has the potential to upset the Buckeyes.
4. What is the significance of the rivalry?
The Ohio State-Purdue rivalry is one of the most heated in the Big Ten. The two schools are located just a few hours apart, and the fans are passionate about their teams. The rivalry has been played in front of sold-out crowds for decades and has produced some of the most memorable games in college football history.
5. Who are some of the most famous players in the rivalry?
Some of the most famous players in the Ohio State-Purdue rivalry include:
- Archie Griffin (Ohio State)
- Eddie George (Ohio State)
- Drew Brees (Purdue)
- Curtis Painter (Purdue)
- David Bell (Purdue)
6. What is the future of the rivalry?
The future of the Ohio State-Purdue rivalry is bright. Both schools are committed to fielding competitive teams, and the fans are passionate about the rivalry. The rivalry is sure to continue to be one of the most heated in the Big Ten for years to come.